The Annotated Book of Mormon

When it comes to books of scripture, context is everything. This new edition of the Book of Mormon has set a high standard in providing valuable annotations, shedding light on the text's intricate nuances and underpinnings. As an avid collector of different versions of the Book of Mormon, I was thrilled to dive into this academic edition and was not disappointed.

To start, the reformatting of the complete scriptural text to mimic modern Bible translations is a significant improvement. With the inclusion of paragraphs, quotation marks, poetic stanzas, and section headings, the narrative structure becomes far more understandable. It is a refreshing presentation that juxtaposes starkly with the standard version and aids immensely in comprehension.

The annotations are an absolute treasure. They elucidate the meaning and context of specific passages, spotlight rhetorical devices, and unearth theological implications. What I particularly appreciate is the balance the editors have struck; they don't shy away from discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the narrative, but they do so with evident reverence and respect for the Book of Mormon as a sacred text.

The introductions to each internal book are a fantastic touch, providing key insights into themes, literary features, and the overarching narrative. Special attention given to primary narrators like Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni adds depth and layers to their contributions.

In addition, the twelve essays interspersed throughout offer profound perspectives on the ongoing dialogues about the text, proving invaluable for anyone looking to explore the Book of Mormon more deeply.

It's evident that this edition has been meticulously researched, drawing from contemporary biblical and historical scholarship. The included maps and charts, along with a comprehensive list of biblical quotations and allusions, further augment the academic value of this work.

In my collection, I have several versions of the Book of Mormon. With the introduction of this edition, it now stands in a tie for my favorite, sharing the spot with the Maxwell Institute version. It is an indispensable resource for anyone, from scholars to lay readers, looking to delve deeper into the Book of Mormon. Highly recommended.

You can buy it on Amazon.

Cabaret the Musical

Last night I had the occasion to catch Cabaret: The Musical on the wonderfully intimate Studio Theater stage at The Center for the Performing Arts. The musical is described as:

“Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat Klub in 1929, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles, and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd—and to leave their troubles outside. But as life in pre-WWII Germany grows more and more uncertain, will the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be enough to get them through their dangerous times? Featuring the well known hits, Willkommen, Cabaret, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, The Money Song and Two Ladies.”

While the above description is accurate, it is wholly lacking as to what this performance actually is. I'll admit, I knew nothing of the musical or its history and the only reason I went last night was the fact that local actor and playwright Ben Asaykwee (check out his Cabaret Poe next year or later this season Prozac the Sad Elf) was listed as the emcee and I absolutely loved the energy he brought to the stage in Cabaret Poe last month. Wow. Just wow. Cabaret: The Musical is a bloody riot!!! 

When Cabaret opens we find ourselves on a train bound for Germany with an American novelist and a German man presenting their documents to enter the country in pre-WWII Germany. The next two hours and change takes us through a riotous journey involving... quirky employees of a local night club, the beginnings of the rise of the Nazi party, the awkward reality of being a Jew in Nazi Germany, love, loss, and just downright hilarious debauchery. 

The wonderful cast of Cabaret: The Musical takes you from one emotion to another. One minute you are laughing hysterically, the scene ends and you find the audience so incredibly quiet a pin could be heard striking the floor and as you process the deep emotion the scene has introduced you to you find yourself positively enchanted by the siren song emanating from the depths of one of the players' souls as they pour so much passion into one song or another.

The Actors Theatre of Indiana delivers a wonderful performance with Cabaret: The Musical that is worth every cent of the ticket price. The show runs November 4 – 20, 2016, and tickets can be found at http://www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org/tickets/production.aspx?PID=4893

If you aren't afraid of spoilers, and have never seen Cabaret before the wikipedia article is well written and gives you a crystal clear idea of what you are in for. While the musical certainly isn't for a younger audience it is well worth seeing and had I children, I would take a 15-16 year old to see the performance.